temperamental

adjective

ˌtem-p(ə-)rə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce temperamental (audio)
Definition of temperamentalnext
1
as in moody
frequently influenced by moods and especially bad moods one of those temperamental actresses who can make life difficult for everyone around her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly stock prices have been pretty temperamental lately, often fluctuating wildly

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of temperamental Ideas need crisp notes as the temperamental Moon in your 9th House opposes imaginative Neptune in your 3rd House, bringing visions and messages together. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026 Ambition meets heart as the temperamental Moon in your 10th House of Career conjoins warrior Mars there, sharpening visibility and focus. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 12 June 2026 The temperamental Moon in your 2nd House of Resources conjoins growth-seeking Chiron there, turning attention to self-worth through the purchases that truly support your well-being. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2026 The weather in Florida during England’s stay thus far has been temperamental. — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for temperamental
Recent Examples of Synonyms for temperamental
  1. moody
  2. volatile
  3. impulsive
  4. unpredictable
  5. unstable
Adjective
  • The castellated tower, slate rooflines, brickwork and leaded-glass windows gave the estate the moody, old-money gravitas that Batman’s producers needed for the Wayne family seat.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • If your bathroom feels busy or dated thanks to clashing finishes, consider painting everything in one rich, moody hue like charcoal, navy, or slate.
    — Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 8 July 2026
Definition of moody
Adjective
  • Gen Z has experienced inflation, volatile markets and economic uncertainty before many even began their careers.
    — Brent Gleeson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Advertisement Even after the war ends, experts expect military spending to rise, driven by an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
    — Sarah Yerkes, Time, 10 July 2026
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • The desire for freedom is overpowering, as is the potential for impulsive and rash decisions made in the moment.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Many individuals fall prey to emotional pitfalls like fear, greed, or shame, leading to impulsive spending, credit card debt, and neglecting long-term goals like retirement.
    — ByGabriel Shahin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of impulsive
Adjective
  • Weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable, so impact windows add peace of mind to the perks of improved efficiency and climate control.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 10 July 2026
  • Asian powers are increasingly taking steps to gird against an unpredictable former ally in the US and an ambitious regional rival in China.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Relying on hand tools instead of heavy machinery, firefighters tunneled through unstable debris to rescue a security guard trapped for eight days.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • In an unstable industry with IP, nepotism and maybe even now artificial intelligence ruling supreme, Ridd and Boa have doubled down on emerging filmmakers with original stories.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 2 July 2026
Definition of unstable

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Cite this Entry

“Temperamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/temperamental. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on temperamental

Nglish: Translation of temperamental for Spanish Speakers

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